Relief funding designated for 93 non-profit arts organizations

FRANKFORT – Governor Andy Beshear recently announced Kentucky has received more than $450,000 in funding to provide novel coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, preparedness and response assistance to non-profit arts organizations throughout the commonwealth as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“As Kentucky starts to rebuild, we must provide support for businesses and organizations that have been impacted by the coronavirus,” said Beshear. “We recognize the economic impact many organizations have faced, and are committed to ensuring Kentucky businesses have our support as we work together on re-opening the state’s economy.”

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) allocated funding to Kentucky to alleviate the impact of temporary closures as a result of COVID-19. Ninety-three non-profit arts organizations that were recipients of the Kentucky Arts Partnership grant in fiscal year 2020 have been designated to receive funding to support operations. Through the Kentucky Arts Council, the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet will distribute funding to these organizations. This critical funding support will assist in stabilizing arts organizations and provide assistance to protect employees from long-term unemployment.

“Throughout the commonwealth, organizations have sacrificed their operations to protect their fellow Kentuckians from the spread of the coronavirus,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry. “We are fortunate to be able to assist arts organizations throughout the commonwealth by providing critical funding support to help alleviate the financial impact of the virus on the arts and tourism industry.”

Chris Cathers, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council, added “The NEA worked very quickly to distribute funding to state arts organizations. This funding will help Kentucky arts organizations with operational support during these times when they are not able to stage productions, hold concerts, or open the galleries they rely on for financial support.”

The Kentucky Arts Council is working directly with the eligible organizations to issue funds. Funding will play a critical role in helping arts organizations rebuild by allocating financial support for salaries, administration costs and sub granting.

Click here for a full listing of the 93 non-profit arts organizations by county.

For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19
Gov. Beshear is asking all Kentuckians to continue to fight the spread of the virus by following his 10-step guidance, which includes practicing social distancing and staying healthy at home. Beshear says these efforts have the potential to save the lives of as many as 11,000 Kentuckians.

Watch the governor’s social media accounts at 5 p.m. ET each day for his regular briefing. Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and daily summaries of the governor’s press conference at tinyurl.com/kygovespanol (Spanish) and tinyurl.com/kygovtranslations (more than 20 additional languages).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725 or call their local health care provider.

Team Kentucky hashtags for social media
#TeamKentucky, #TogetherKY, #Patriot and #HealthyAtHome.